297: Chapter 291 Zhang Xing and Xu Wen

"What kind of strength?"

Chen Zhiwen asked in a deep voice, his body subconsciously tensing up.

Ren Quanxu held up two fingers.

"One male, one female."

"The male one is at the Early Stage of the 4th level."

Having said that, Ren Quanxu paused, observing Chen Zhiwen's expression.

"And that Spider Queen is at the Middle Stage of the 4th level!"

Chen Zhiwen's expression changed instantly.

A 4th level Yao Beast corresponds to the Nascent Soul Stage for a human Cultivator.

Moreover, Yao Beasts have thick hides and are extremely tenacious; they are often even more troublesome to deal with than human Cultivators of the same Realm.

"Fellow Daoist Ren, are you joking?"

Chen Zhiwen stood up abruptly, waving his hands repeatedly.

"I have only just achieved a Breakthrough to the Early Nascent Soul Stage, and my Realm is not yet fully stable."

"The male spider is one thing, but how could I possibly be a match for a 4th level Middle Stage Spider Queen?"

Chen Zhiwen was a hundred percent unwilling; the risk was too great.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, do not be hasty. Just hear me out."

Ren Quanxu seemed to have anticipated Chen Zhiwen's reaction.

He quickly stood up, signaling for Chen Zhiwen to remain calm.

"I am not asking you to deal with the Spider Queen."

Ren Quanxu poured another cup of tea for Chen Zhiwen, his tone sincere.

"This operation does not involve only the two of us."

"I have also invited three other Nascent Soul Cultivators to participate."

Hearing this, Chen Zhiwen's expression softened slightly.

If five Nascent Soul Cultivators joined forces, the situation would be different.

"Five Nascent Soul Cultivators..."

Chen Zhiwen sat back down and began to calculate in his mind.

"Even so, the Spider Queen is at the 4th level Middle Stage. If it goes berserk, I fear we might not be able to handle it."

Ren Quanxu smiled confidently.

He tapped his palm gently with the folding fan in his hand.

"Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Chen, regarding that point."

"When the time comes, I will personally contain and handle that 4th level Middle Stage Spider Queen."

A flash of brilliance appeared in Ren Quanxu's eyes, and a powerful sense of confidence radiated from him.

"I possess a Magic Treasure specifically designed to restrain that Prodigy."

"As long as you Fellow Daoists can help me hold off the male Spider King and clear out those annoying Golden Core Stage spider guards, that will be enough."

Chen Zhiwen looked deeply at Ren Quanxu.

It seems this Elder from Tian Yin Pavilion came prepared.

Since someone else is handling the most troublesome issue, the risk factor is greatly reduced.

However, Chen Zhiwen did not agree immediately.

Cultivators do not act without profit.

Who would be willing to do such a job that puts their life on the line without sufficient benefits?

"Since Fellow Daoist Ren is so well prepared, you must have a sure path to victory."

Chen Zhiwen picked up his teacup and gently blew on the floating tea leaves.

"It is just that..."

"This trip to the Taiyin Mountains is a long journey, and it involves deep penetration into a land of poisonous miasma."

"The consumption of magical power and Medicinal Pills will not be a small amount."

Chen Zhiwen's words were very tactful, but the meaning was clear.

He wanted more pay.

Ren Quanxu was also an old hand in the Jianghu; how could he not understand the subtext?

He laughed heartily, appearing very generous.

"Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Chen, I understand the rules."

"Since I have invited you to take action, I naturally will not let you come for nothing."

Ren Quanxu held up two fingers and waved them in front of Chen Zhiwen.

"After the matter is concluded, I will offer every participating Fellow Daoist 2000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones as remuneration."

"Furthermore, all Materials obtained from slaying the Yao Beasts, except for the Spider Queen's Yao core which I must take, will be divided equally among you all."

2000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones!

Chen Zhiwen's hand trembled slightly.

This was not a small sum.

One must know that one Mid-Grade Spirit Stone is equivalent to one hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

These 2000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, if converted into Low-Grade Spirit Stones, would amount to a full two hundred thousand!

For Chen Zhiwen, who had only recently advanced to the Mid Nascent Soul Stage and whose Foundation was still somewhat thin, this was a huge windfall.

Moreover, the body of a 4th level Yao Beast is a treasure from head to toe.

The silk, venom sacs, and carapace are all excellent Materials for refining Magic Treasures.

Risk and reward were being weighed rapidly in Chen Zhiwen's mind at this moment.

If five Nascent Soul Cultivators join forces, plus Ren Quanxu's promise to handle the strongest monster...

This deal is worth doing!

Chen Zhiwen put down his teacup, and all hesitation vanished from his Face.

In its place was a sense of decisiveness.

"Since Fellow Daoist Ren is so sincere."

"If I, Chen, were to decline again, it would seem unappreciative."

Chen Zhiwen stood up and bowed solemnly to Ren Quanxu.

"I agree to this matter."

Ren Quanxu was overjoyed.

He also let out a sigh of relief.

With the addition of Chen Zhiwen, this newly promoted Nascent Soul Sword Cultivator, the certainty of this operation had increased by several notches.

The offensive power of a Sword Cultivator is famously formidable among those of the same Realm.

It is simply perfect for clearing out those Golden Core Stage spider guards.

"Good! Fellow Daoist Chen is truly straightforward!"

Ren Quanxu also stood up and returned the salute.

"Since that is settled, it is a deal."

"Five days from now."

Ren Quanxu looked up at the sky and set the time.

"We will gather on the outskirts of the Taiyin Mountains, and I will send a message Talisman to guide you then."

"Good, it is a deal."

Chen Zhiwen nodded in agreement.

With the matter settled, Ren Quanxu did not stay any longer.

He exchanged a few more pleasantries with Chen Zhiwen, then turned into a streak of light and disappeared into the horizon.

Chen Zhiwen looked in the direction Ren Quanxu had left, his gaze profound.

Five days.

That was enough time for him to make some preparations.

"Husband."

Xiao Linger's worried voice came from behind.

She had walked out at some point, clearly having overheard their conversation.

"The Taiyin Mountains are extremely dangerous; do you really have to go?"

Xiao Linger walked to Chen Zhiwen's side and gently took his arm.

Although 2000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones were tempting, in her heart, nothing was more important than Chen Zhiwen's safety.

Chen Zhiwen turned back, gently patted the back of Xiao Linger's hand, and gave her a reassuring look.

"Rest assured."

"Since there will be five Nascent Soul Cultivators going together, as long as we are careful, it should be fine."

Chen Zhiwen looked at the sea of clouds in the distance, a glimmer of sharpness flashing in his eyes.

"Besides, the path of cultivation is inherently Heaven-Defying."

"If one is timid and hesitant, how can one peer into a higher Realm?"

"I also need this battle to hone my Dao of the sword."

Hearing Chen Zhiwen say this, Xiao Linger stopped trying to dissuade him.

She knew that although her husband usually appeared gentle, there was a tenacious pride in his bones.

"Then I will prepare more antidote and healing medicine for you."

Xiao Linger said softly and turned to go to the pill room.

Chen Zhiwen grabbed her and pulled her into his embrace.

"No rush."

He whispered in Xiao Linger's ear, the warm breath causing her earlobes to turn red instantly.

"There are still five days left."

"Shall we... take some time to Cultivate some more?"

Xiao Linger's Face turned red to the roots of her ears instantly.

She gave Chen Zhiwen a coquettish glare, but her body softened honestly in his arms.

"You... how is your mind always full of this..."

"This is also to improve our strength."

Chen Zhiwen chuckled mischievously, picked up the beauty in his arms, and walked towards the palace with long strides.

On Hidden Sword Peak, spring was in the air once again.

Hidden Sword Peak, main palace secret chamber.

Chen Zhiwen sat cross-legged, and the Spiritual Qi around him was slowly absorbed into his body like a swimming Dragon.

His breathing was long and steady, and every breath was accompanied by the faint sound of wind and thunder.

Although he had appeared quite wary and even somewhat hesitant in front of Ren Quanxu.

That was merely an act for outsiders to see.

His true confidence was hidden deep within his Dantian.

Outsiders only thought of him as a lucky individual who had just broken through to the Early Nascent Soul Stage.

His Foundation was unstable, and his strength was still shallow.

In reality, it was otherwise; his cultivation had long been stabilized at the Mid Nascent Soul Stage.

There were even faint signs of breaking through to the Late Stage.

His vast, sea-like true energy was several times thicker than that of an ordinary early Nascent Soul stage cultivator.

"If we really start fighting..."

Chen Zhiwen slowly opened his eyes.

In the depths of his pupils, a cold sword gleam flashed by.

He looked down at his hands, the corners of his mouth curling into a confident arc.

"Even if I Face an old monster at the Late Nascent Soul Stage, I have the power to fight, and I am even confident that I can slay them."

This was not arrogance.

It stemmed from absolute control over his own strength.

In addition to the suppression of Realm in cultivation, he also possessed countless coveted Magic Treasures.

Of course, his biggest trump card was the Divine Ability named "Qi".

This was the greatest secret he had relied on since his Transmigration.

Once the state of "Qi" is activated.

All his potential would be instantly stimulated.

Whether it was speed, strength, or the explosive intensity of his spiritual power, everything would increase tenfold in a short time.

Ten times the combat power—what a terrifying concept that was.

It meant that in a short period, he possessed the ability to kill enemies across a major Realm gap.

A mere 4th level Middle Stage Yao Beast Spider Queen.

As long as he did not fall into a hopeless trap, no one could keep him if he wanted to leave.

Chen Zhiwen stood up and straightened his robes, the sharp edge on his Face instantly receding.

In its place was a gentle, jade-like, humble, and low-key appearance.

...

Five days passed in the blink of an eye.

On this morning.

In a desolate place called "Soul-Severing Valley" on the outskirts of the Taiyin Mountains.

The cold wind howled, whipping up withered leaves across the sky.

Several powerful auras descended upon this place one after another.

Chen Zhiwen walked through the Void Realm and landed slowly.

He did not deliberately release his pressure, but the unique aura belonging to a Nascent Soul Cultivator still caused the surrounding air to freeze slightly.

At this time, four people were already waiting in the valley.

Except for Ren Quanxu of Tian Yin Pavilion, the other three Faces were quite unfamiliar.

But judging from the fluctuations of spiritual power emanating from them, they were all famous overlords of the Eastern Continent.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, you have arrived."

Ren Quanxu's Face was immediately filled with smiles upon seeing Chen Zhiwen.

He hurried up to meet him, appearing very enthusiastic.

The folding fan in his hand swayed gently, giving him an elegant appearance.

"I have kept you all waiting."

Chen Zhiwen cupped his hands, his tone humble.

His gaze swept over the other three without a trace, secretly evaluating the strength of the other party.

"Come, come, let me introduce you, Fellow Daoist Chen."

Ren Quanxu turned to the side, pointing to a middle-aged man on the left wearing purple-gold python robes.

The man was burly with a square Face, carrying the majesty of a superior in every gesture.

Especially his eyes, which shot out brilliance when opened and closed; he was clearly a person who had long held a high position.

"This is the head of the Zhang family, a first-class family in the Eastern Continent, Fellow Daoist Zhang Xing."

"The Zhang family head's 《Purple Extreme Hegemon Technique》 has long been practiced to a Transcendent level, and his physical strength is comparable to a Yao Beast of the same Realm; he is the backbone of our operation this time."

"Fellow Daoist Zhang, I have long admired your name."

Chen Zhiwen nodded slightly and greeted him politely.

The Zhang family had immense power in the Eastern Continent; although they could not compare to top Sects like the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, they were definitely the leaders among the aristocratic families.

"Elder Chen is too polite."

Zhang Xing looked Chen Zhiwen up and down, a flash of scrutiny in his eyes.

His voice was loud, like rolling thunder.

"I have long heard that the Ten Thousand Swords Sect has produced a young Nascent Soul Sword Cultivator. Seeing you today, you are indeed a talent with an extraordinary demeanor."

Although he was speaking polite words, Chen Zhiwen could feel that the other party still held some contempt for him as a "newly promoted Junior."

After all, in the world of cultivation, seniority is often linked to strength.

Chen Zhiwen did not care about this and just smiled faintly.

Ren Quanxu pointed to the old man in the middle.

The old man had red hair and beard, wearing a fire-red Taoist robe.

Even the skin exposed to the outside was faintly glowing red.

Because of his presence, the surrounding air became hot and unbearable, as if an invisible flame was burning.

"This is the Grand Elder of the God Fire Sect, known as True Lord Shenhuo."

"Fellow Daoist Shenhuo's fire control technique is superb, and it has a natural restraining effect on those Yin evil poisonous things."

"Senior Shenhuo."

Chen Zhiwen cupped his hands and saluted.

True Lord Shenhuo was an old-school Nascent Soul Cultivator who had been famous for a long time.

In terms of seniority, he was indeed much higher than Chen Zhiwen.

"Hmph."

True Lord Shenhuo just hummed faintly, considering it a response.

His personality was just like his Cultivation Technique: hot-tempered and arrogant.

Clearly, he was not very happy about bringing along a "dead weight" like Chen Zhiwen.

If it weren't for the sake of Ren Quanxu, he probably wouldn't even have bothered to give this response.

The last one was a thin Taoist wearing a green Taoist robe and holding a whisk.

He looked to be about fifty years old, with a refined Face and slightly closed eyes, giving people a feeling of being detached from the world.

"This is Elder Xu Wen of the Tai Yi Sect," Ren Quanxu introduced.

"Fellow Daoist Xu is proficient in Formation and Talismans, and is meticulous; with him here, we can save a lot of trouble."

"Fellow Daoist Xu."

Chen Zhiwen saluted again.

Xu Wen slowly opened his eyes, with no joy or sorrow in them.

He gently waved the whisk in his hand and returned the salute.

"Immeasurable Heavenly Venerate, greetings Fellow Daoist Chen."

His voice was as calm as water, yet very comfortable to listen to.

Compared to the arrogance and scrutiny of the other two, this Elder Xu appeared much more peaceful.

After the five people exchanged simple pleasantries, they could be considered to have met for the first time.

Although there was no trust between them yet, after all, they had come for a common interest.

Surface harmony still had to be maintained.

"Since everyone is here, let us set off."

Ren Quanxu looked at the sky, put away the smile on his Face, and his expression became serious.

"That monster lair is located deep in the Taiyin Mountains; the journey is long and extremely dangerous."

"We must hurry."

Everyone had no objections.

Five streaks of light soared into the sky, cutting through the long sky and speeding towards the depths of the Taiyin Mountains.

...